how do i get my child to stop scratching her legs?

Jocelyn - posted on 08/13/2009
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my child just cant seem to get her fingers off her legs until it bleeds. I just dont think that it is the environment that triggers the itch because her sister does not itch at all. It's getting to be more like a mannerism, if there is such thing.

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Laura - posted on 08/13/2009

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My son used to itch his chest alot when he was teething from the drool. I got some Sarna anti-itch lotion for his rash. It is a hydrocortisone cream. You can get it at any drug store. It worked wonders to stop the itch. Is she allergic to the soap you may be using for her baths? I find that Dove soap works wonders, as it is mild on skin and has moisturizers in it. I would keep her nails trimmed so that she doesn't scratch to make herself bleed. Maybe even put on a glove. I hope I helped some.

My daughter used to scratch her back constantly until she made sores on her back. At first I thought it was allergies but I found out that it was the laundry soap I was using! She was allergic to one specific ingredient in the soap so I had to use a different brand of soap.

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User - posted on 09/19/2012

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I think as they grow older every kid have their own habits / mannerism that we dont understand like to my son he's also im the same boat as your son plus bitng his nails but. as the days goes by t becomes lesser and lesser i guess its juts now i your'e cocern that theres something wrong talk to a specialist.. wish you well andyour kid

My 7 year old scratches her legs until they bleed. She also has issues with wearing certain clothes or the sheets feel weird ect. Every day seems to be a battle. I talked to her Dr. and she said it is a sensory issue but I don't know what to do? Any suggestions would be helpful. Thank You!

My daughter has HORRENDOUS eczema, straight from birth, and has sractched every last inch of her body until it bled. She has constant flare-ups regardless of weather, environment or other external factors (such as food, detergents, etc.) I am in the process of having her reviewed by dermatology specialists to see if there is something that can be done from a medical standpoint as nothing over the counter that we've tried has worked. And believe me, I've done it all.

Nada. They seem to help for a while then she flares up all over again. If this has been going on for a substantial amount of time and you're seeing no improvements after doing all of the above, i would recommend the same. My daughter is only 16 months and has suffered like this since birth. SHe has a multitude of scars taht I don't think will ever really fade.

thanks a lot. i was beginning to think that her scratching has something to do with psychology. i oughta give your suggestion a try. meanwhile im giving her red juice - a juice of various fruits and vegetables. i'll keep in touch.

She must be getting some sensory input. She may like the behavior or she may actually be itchy (from heat?) I would suggest applying maybe calamine lotion to stop the itch. Tell her it will make her feel better or maybe giving her an ice pack to place on her leg. Both interventions will heal an itch if it really is the cause. If you think she is doing it for attention, then I would ignore the behavior and when she is not scratching her legs, I would give her a lot of positive attention and praise. Maybe even give her something to eat that she loves....but only when she is not scratching. Let her know how much you love when she doesn't scratch and follow it with a positive act on your part.

My daughter does the same thing. She scratches until she bleeds. She has eczema really bad...so we try to encourage her to rub instead of scratch. Which has helped. What also helps is keeping lotion on her...alot!!